instant insalata

This salad is probably my favorite, especially this time of year when the tomatoes are ripe an juicy. It is also the easiest. And while the carnivore wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole, he did help grow some of the ingredients.

To make this salad you need these five ingredients:
fresh basil leaves
a small tomato, diced
mini-mozzarella balls
olive oil, just a drizzle
balsamic vinegar. just a splash

Simply toss these ingredients together until well coated. You can also season with salt and pepper as desired. There you have it - instant insalata caprese.

It is light but filling, packing in lots of calcium and vitamin C. Plus, if you grow it yourself you get a little extra satisfaction. I know I did! There is nothing like watching your herbs and veggies grow, picking them at their peak, and then getting to enjoy them just a few feet from where they started as seedlings. Not to mention what you save on the grocery bill - even the carnivore can appreciate that!

menu ideas:
I served this big beautiful bowl up as my main dish one night when the carnivore had fried fish. We both had homemade mac and cheese and sweet buttered peas. It would also make a lovely lunch.